After my journey of uncertainty, undecidedness, and self dilemma of either staying in my community or moving out... I decided that I should most definitely NOT stay Frum. The eradication and repudiation of all that I was taught to be holy, has allowed me to be on the road toward happiness and productivity.
The secular world isn’t as evil as frum people make to be and is certainly less evil then the frum world itself.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Growing up in a strict Jewish ultra orthodox Chabad community, I was only minimally exposed to any form of secular education. About a year ago I started working on my GED and I eagerly studied the basics of math, science, history and writing. Initially, I learned how to properly structure a sentence and other basic writing rules for the first time, but have since delved into the art of creative writing. This knowledge is extremely liberating to say the least because I no longer have penmanship limitations.

Going to college is a whole new experience for me. I am extremely excited about attending college for the first time and I am looking forward to exploring the halls of knowledge and diverse outlooks on life and culture. I am energized and thrilled to finally study all those subjects that I have always wondered about. My plan is to major in music and minor in history; although once I get started with the liberal arts classes I may seek out other areas that interest me such as psychology and finance.

My future will certainly be affected by going to college because I keep on hitting a wall when practically every job requires some sort of degree. I have completed Rabbinical School with honors but this type of degree holds no water in the secular world.

Much of my past is marked by community work. I have successfully led many outreach projects and community events. I have given innovative classes on Jewish history and law, I raised funds for a community calendar, and I co-led a trip of 40 people to Israel. Even now, I continually encourage my family and friends to get their GED or at least peruse some sort of basic education. With that in mind, I certainly see my career being marked by the same motivation, although I am yet to decide on exactly what route to take.